Last Sunday I turned 29.

I’m not sure how others generally feel about this particular birthday, but for me it wasn’t a huge shock. 27 was the one that hit me hard. That was when I started to feel almost-30 and OLD.

This year, I didn’t any feel older. Just more mature. ;)

My personal theme for 2016 is the Year of Maturity. It seemed fitting that it coincided with the last year of my twenties, and for some reason, it’s a theme I’ve been getting excited about.

(I’m aware it probably doesn’t sound exciting to most people. All I can say by way of explanation is that I was one of those kids who looked forward to being old, because then I would be wiser.)

Maturity can happen as a natural by-product of one’s life experiences.

But it can also be actively chosen.

Like when you choose to receive someone’s love based on the way they intended it, rather than on the way you are inclined to interpret it. That’s a choice.

Here’s another one I’ve been pondering lately:

Knowing how to go after what you want and let go of what you want.

Taking initiative is one of those key life skills that does not come naturally to me. Especially when it comes to personal dreams. It can take a bit of energy to muster up the motivation to take myself and my ideas seriously. But not doing so robs both myself and the world. (Probably.)

Letting go is also difficult. Knowing when (and how) isn’t always intuitive. It’s easy to get attached to dreams, desires, and people. But sometimes it’s time to make way for the next thing that will come, that maybe you can’t even see yet. And that’s the hardest, when you can’t see ahead, when you don’t know what that next thing will be.

One of my special birthday moments

was walking home by myself from dinner along the beach, looking out at the lights and the darkness of the ocean, remembering. Remembering gazing over the rooftops of Baltimore five years ago, wondering what was around the corner post-grad school. Remembering agreeing to come down to Busan two years ago, my heart full of expectation. Remembering my first few months in Korea, the wonder and the stretching of it.

This view never gets old.

I realized that stepping into new things requires both initiative and letting go, a leaving behind of the old to take hold of the new. And though the letting go can be painful, it has never brought me regret. Every step I’ve taken, whether it’s felt like a jump forward or a slide sideways, has all been part of the journey that has brought me here, and I wouldn’t change any of iteven if I could.

Share this:

Like this:

Related

Elizabeth is an American living in South Korea who believes in destiny, miracles, and living life intentionally. She holds to simple faith in a complex world, values the beauty of the everyday, and strives for vulnerability with other imperfect humans. She is always learning, laughing, and finding herself in awe of grace.

Share Your Opinion

Elizabeth on Instagram

Jumpstart Your Journey!

Liked what you read? Subscribe for the exclusive email series!

Enter your email below to get my email series Jumpstart Your Journey (5 bite-sized ways to connect with God). You will also be subscribed to my mailing list, which will keep you up to date on all new content on the blog!

I am an American living in South Korea who believes in destiny, miracles, and living life intentionally. I hold to simple faith in a complex world, value the beauty of the everyday, and strive for vulnerability with other imperfect humans. I am constantly learning, laughing, and finding myself in awe of grace.